Her Story
About Ruby
I've been an educator officially since 2009, currently working as a second grade educator, though I've held different positions throughout my career in the education field. My journey into education was deeply personal - it started when I had children of my own and wanted to be an effective mother. I wanted them to be around other children and help bring out their confidence and teach them social skills, things I saw missing in other children. Then I realized I needed to look at my own home first. I asked myself, how can I be effective if I don't have my house together? That's what prompted me to become an effective educator and a person of influence, teaching younger people how to have confidence in themselves. I can speak from experience because I was that girl that didn't have confidence. My approach to education is rooted in self-improvement first - whatever I see missing in my life, I work on it myself first, because when things are dark in your life and you're trying to improve, it starts with self first. If it helped me, then I'm able to help others. I'm also a board member of Amazing Kids Christian Foundation, a summer camp and tutoring program I've been involved with since 2009. Beyond my classroom work, I'm becoming a life coach, continuing my mission to inspire and counsel others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ruby
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I've had so many people inspire me, and I wouldn't just say they actually said it, but it's the love and the help that I get when I'm working with different women. So it wasn't what was said, it's actually their actions that inspired me, and which was true love.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Number one is to acknowledge God. He's the one that gives us the knowledge, the wisdom to make the right decisions. Make sure that you have a great education, have confidence, and stay focused on your dreams. Know your why and know your purpose. By doing that, when you acknowledge God, He will actually direct you and make your path straight for you.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities is to meet different professional women and just watch them grow. For instance, the field of a principal, the assistant principal, teachers that's not in the classroom like interventionist teachers, school counselors.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is most important to me. If you say you're gonna do it, do it. Make sure you walk the walk and talk the talk, and show up as your very best. Look good, smell good, just make sure you're all together. And most of all, just make sure you have the confidence in yourself. But in order to have that confidence in yourself, you gotta make sure that you are prepared. We can't show up empty-handed.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · Tennessee
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.